Soroptimist International

of Suburban Chicago

﻿

Programs and Projects

LOCAL PROGRAMS

GED Grant

One of our members identified a need for women who did not have a high school diploma. Higher education, better jobs or other goals related to training and education require that diploma or the GED certificate. In 2013, the GED Grant was initiated This grant awards $125 to two women currently enrolled in a GED program. This award covers the cost of the certification test.

Comfort Bears

We gather once a year at a local Build-A-Bear to make bears for children who have suffered a traumatic situation and may need comforting. To date we have contributed to the Lemont, Lombard, Schaumburg, West Chicago, Westchester and Wheaton police departments, as well as, to Family Shelter Service and other social service groups.

Family Shelter Service

We have worked with Family Shelter Service since 1989. We began with a holiday party for all clients which has evolved into a shelter specific dinner and party.

We participated in the FSS mentoring program which provided one -on-one interaction.

Suburban Chicago provides support for the annual 5K Walk/Run in the fall of each year.

We recently completed a "room makeover" project for one of the shelters.

Elgin Community Crisis Center

We host dinner and bingo parties in the shelter. Small prizes go to the lucky winners and a good time is had by all.

﻿Constance Morris House

We host dinner and bingo events. Small prizes go to the lucky winners and a good time is had by all.

Volunteer at the Northern Illinois Food Bank

Suburban Chicago voluntters at the food bank annually. We pack food items for distribution like meat, canned goods and bread. When not packing, we perform other duties to help get things ready for distribution..

REGIONAL / INTERNATIONAL Programs/Projects

Midwest Region

Virginia Wagner Award for any woman pursuing her bachelor, masters or doctoral degree. Named for a past Regional Governor who believed in higher education for women. This grant is based on academic achievement and financial need. Local award is $500.00. More information and the downloadable application available at the Midwestern Region web site, ﻿www.simwr.org Just click on Awards. Applications must be submitted to the local club by January 15th. Any questions may be directed to (708) 865-0145 or www.siofsuburban.chicago@soroptimist.net

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards (formerly the Women’s Opportunity Awards) assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.﻿

Local award is $500. Additional information available on the Soroptimist International web site, www.soroptimist.org Applications must be submitted to the local club.. Completed applications muat be received by January 15th.

Questions may be directed to (708) 865-0145 or siofsuburban.chicago@soroptimist.net

Dream It, Be It : Career Support for Girls Under development

Targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. Provides girls with access to professional role models, career education and resources to live their dreams. Topics covered include career opportunities, setting and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles to success and moving forward after setbacks or failures.

﻿﻿﻿﻿Additional information is available at the Soroptimist International web site, www.soroptimist.org .

Use the "contact us" link for the local Soroptimist club.

President's Appeal :Women, Water and Leadership﻿

An annual fundraiser that occurs on December 10th.

Work to empower women through education and resources to facilitate their movement into positions involving water management and preservation.﻿

Copyright 2013 Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago. All rights reserved.